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Northwestern Chemists Create Efficient Methane-to-Methanol Reactor

4/16/2026

46 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Northwestern University chemists developed a plasma-bubble reactor that converts methane into methanol.
The reactor uses high-voltage pulses to generate cold plasma that breaks methane into methanol.
The process operates at ambient temperatures and pressures, reducing energy use and emissions versus traditional methods.
The study published on April 15, 2026, reports methanol selectivity of 96.8% and production of hydrogen and ethylene.

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Story summary

Northwestern University chemists developed a plasma-bubble reactor that converts methane into methanol.
The reactor uses high-voltage pulses to generate cold plasma that breaks methane into methanol.
The process operates at ambient temperatures and pressures, reducing energy use and emissions versus traditional methods.
The study published on April 15, 2026, reports methanol selectivity of 96.8% and production of hydrogen and ethylene.